Prevent Your Child From Getting Cavities

Cavities can affect baby teeth in the same way as adult teeth if not more! The enamel that encompasses a baby tooth is thinner than an adult tooth, so when a cavity occurs, it takes less time to cause pain and enter the tooth’s nerve, leading to infection and possible early tooth loss.

Just because baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth does not mean a baby tooth with a cavity is no big deal and doesn’t require treatment.

Without treatment of a cavity on a baby tooth, it can lead to pain, infection, chipped teeth, loss of confidence, difficulty with speech and early tooth loss. If a baby tooth is lost or requires extraction prematurely, it can affect the position of the future adult tooth, as adult teeth use the roots of the baby teeth they replace as guidance for eruption. This is the reason why a dental crown may be recommended for a baby tooth that will eventually be lost.

Your child will have their baby teeth from the eruption of the first baby tooth around 6 months old until the last baby tooth falls out, around 12 years old. 

Therefore, it is vital for your child to maintain good oral health to prevent cavities. This often means they will require parental help to achieve optimal oral health.

Below are handy tips and tricks to help your child keep their smile bright and healthy. 

• Help your child with their brushing and flossing until around the age of 6 or until they show signs that they have enough motivation and dexterity to do it on their own.
• Begin using toothpaste that contains fluoride around the age of 3 or when they show they can spit toothpaste into the sink.
• Flossing should begin whenever there are two teeth that touch, as this causes a higher cavity risk. 
• Be on the lookout for dark spots or chips, as this could indicate a cavity.
• Be sure to take your child to the dentist at least every six months or more if recommended by your dentist.
• Reduce your child’s sugar intake by limiting candy, cookies, fruit juices, etc. 
• Do not put your child to bed with milk/juice/etc. only water 
• Consider introducing an electric toothbrush to help your child brush.

If you have any questions about childhood cavities or how to prevent them, please get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.